(ANSA) - ROME, NOV 20 - Education Minister Maurizio Valditara on Wednesday denied linking femicides to immigration in previous statements, saying he had spoken about a concerning rise in sexual violence which can also be attributed to forms of marginalization due to irregular immigration.
    "I never said femicides are the fault of immigrants.
    "I said something different, which our country is experiencing a rising phenomenon of sexual violence, which are another very sad phenomenon", noted the minister.
    "The figures are unfortunately unmistakable and I am sorry that someone altered them or failed to recognize them.
    "And what did I say? I said marginalization and deviance due to irregular immigration also, and the also is important, contribute to sexual violence", noted the minister.
    On Monday, the education minister had said a rise in rapes and sexual violence in Italy was linked to irregular migration.
    "We must not pretend not to see that the increase in sexual violence is also linked to forms of marginalization and deviance that in some way derive from illegal immigration", the minister said in a video message broadcast during the presentation of the Giulia Cecchettin Foundation at the Lower House.
    The murder a year ago of 22-year-old Cecchettin by her Italian ex boyfriend shocked Italy and highlighted its problem with femicide and gender-based violence, leading to the setting up of the foundation in her name. (ANSA).